YouTube will raise the bar for creators seeking to monetize their content through its Partner Programme starting February 1, 2027. This marks the first major update to the programme’s entry criteria since 2018.

New Monetization Requirements

  • Applicants must have at least 1,000 subscribers (unchanged).
  • They need either 8,000 public watch hours in the past 365 days or 20 million Shorts views within the last 90 days—double the current thresholds.

YouTube says this change aims to ensure monetization rewards creators with active and growing audiences amid its vast ecosystem of over three million enrolled creators and billions of daily views.

Impact on Existing Shorts Creators

For creators already in the Partner Programme, a new requirement will apply to Shorts revenue eligibility: they must accumulate at least 10 million Shorts views in any 90-day period starting February 2027 to continue earning from Shorts ads and subscriptions.

Channels falling below this threshold will retain their Partner status and continue earning from longer videos, with Shorts revenue resuming once the view count rebounds.

Implications for Kenyan Creators

These heightened criteria present a tougher challenge for smaller Kenyan channels, especially those relying on Shorts to grow their audience. Achieving 20 million Shorts views within 90 days demands significant and consistent content output and audience engagement.

Established creators with large followings, particularly those reaching high-value markets, are less likely to be affected as they may already meet the new standards.

Summary of Requirements from February 2027

  • New applicants: 1,000 subscribers plus either 8,000 watch hours (past year) or 20 million Shorts views (past 90 days).
  • Existing Shorts creators: minimum 10 million Shorts views in any 90-day window to maintain Shorts revenue.
  • Lower tier (previously introduced): 500 subscribers, 3 uploads in 90 days, plus 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views.

Kenyan creators can still earn through multiple channels including ads, YouTube Premium, memberships, and brand partnerships, with earnings influenced by factors such as audience location and engagement.